It took a while to get to settled in Quito and finally after the impersonal Imperial hostel, then only some of us could stay at Backpackers Inn we found a lovely home for all of us in Posada de los Jazmines. It did not take long for us to fall in love with the family especially the little boy, Aldo. The group was growing and we now had 2 Dutch friends so there was no doubt we were hanging around in Quito for the football. 5th JulyWent up to the TeleferiQo chairlift today but unfortunately we left it too late and by the time we arrived the dark clouds were rolling in. We are starting to see a pattern here now and have been told that this is typical of been so close to the equator. If you want to do anything in and around Quito then the morning is the only time for outside things because by 3pm it would have started to rain without doubt.

6th JulyWatched the football in a pub called the Corner Pub (Dutch pub, so you can imagine how busy it was) and our Dutch friends (claro) were happy with the outcome

. There are actually quite a few Dutch people that live in Quito as we were told there was a big flower industry there.

7th JulySpent the day chilling out in old town in Quito. Did spend a long time in a very posh panama hat store hoping that I would find a hat that Bern would agree to buy me. At least I got a pic in one. If anyone thinks that it is a must do not hesitate to let Bernie know he must buy me one!!!!!

8th JulyA trip to the line of the Equator was in order today, traveling with Tim and Madelon we set off on public transport. I am not sure what we expected there but we found a monument and a yellow line from East to West. You are also meant to be lighter at the equator and even though there were scales as we have been traveling for some time now I did not dear jump on. We did go to the planetarium however as it was all in Spanish we are not that sure what it was saying. It was a great opportunity for Bernie to have a little nap however the chairs were really comfortable.

10th JulyMade a trip to Otavalo, the market town which is about 3 hours North of Quito

. I am sure I do not need to say, Bernīs idea of hell and mine of heaven. So much there that it was all a bit too overwhelming for both of us. I did get myself some nice things. Not sure how we are going to fit it all in our packs so maybe it is time for a package to be sent home.

11th July - Final Tim and Madelon were nervous about the game and so Bernie needed to join Tim in the bar at 11am for a breakfast beer to calm the nerves. For someone that does not watch football it was a very intense game and felt so bad for T & M with the result. We continued to drown their sorrows in an Irish bar around the corner. By about 6pm we were all starving so we went to a local food joint for a big $2 feed of fish/chicken & the normal rice, fried bananas and beans compliment.The group was splitting up tonight and tomorrow and we were making our way to Mindo (2 hours North West of Quito) with a friend (Jo) we had meet at the beginning of our trip. Very excited as have heard such great things about Mindo, cannot wait to get back to the outdoor life and out of a big city.